I am so excited to share my modern and EASY recipe for Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken. These spicy chicken legs are perfectly juicy with a nice crisp char on the outside, sealing in all of that flavor. The best part is they cook in only 15 minutes in the Air Fryer-less than half the time it takes in a conventional oven. The drumsticks are marinated in warming spices and creamy yogurt, just like the classic dish. But you won't believe how quick and effortless it is to make this favorite Indian dish in the Air Fryer with the same authentic taste and a lot less work.
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Tandoori chicken legs are one of my go-tos for family dinners and casual get-togethers. Chicken drumsticks are budget-friendly, easy to cook, and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, one look (or whiff!) of these spiced beauties and everyone's ready to dig in!
Tandoori-style cooking traditionally uses a clay oven (tandoor), but you can get amazing results right at home. I love using the air fryer or Instant Pot; both make the chicken juicy, flavorful, and perfectly charred. No special equipment? Here is my recipe to make Tandoori chicken in your oven!
If you are looking for more air fryer recipes, try my Chilli Chicken and Onion Pakoras! They make a quick and healthier option to the traditional deep-fried recipe.
Ingredient Tips
- Ginger and Garlic Paste - Stick to the fresh stuff here; skip the powders. Homemade ginger and garlic paste gives the best flavor. You can check out how I make mine if you need a quick guide.
- Red Chili Powder - I use Kashmiri chili powder for its mild heat and beautiful color. You can use any mild chili powder or paprika. Want more heat? Add a little cayenne.
- Garam Masala - Homemade garam masala brings out those warm, authentic flavors. It uses only 5 spices and is quick and easy to make.
- Yogurt - Use plain full-fat yogurt to keep the chicken tender and flavorful. If you do not eat dairy, plain full-fat dairy-free yogurt works well, too.
- Lemon Juice - Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds much more flavor than bottled, so use fresh if you can.
Tips for Tastiest Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks
- Pat the chicken legs dry to avoid extra liquids in the marinade
- Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour, but it is best if you marinate overnight, or up to 24 hours total
- Discard any leftover marinade or brush it on the chicken before cooking
How To Make Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
Place chicken legs in a bowl, pat dry, and remove the skin. Make a few slits in each drumstick, then add yogurt, spices, lemon juice, and crushed fenugreek leaves. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly and marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and lightly grease the basket. Air fry the marinated drumsticks for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For a charred finish, cook for 1 to 2 extra minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and cilantro mint chutney.
Storing
The best way to store leftover drumsticks is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh up to 3 days. Reheat the drumsticks in your air fryer at 350°F for no longer than 4 minutes.
★ Tried this recipe? I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and let me know, or snap a quick pic and upload it-I love seeing your creations. If you're on Instagram, tag @ministry_of_curry so I can check it out. Your feedback means so much to me and makes all the time I spend perfecting each recipe totally worth it. Thank you!
Recipe
Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
Equipment
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- ⅓ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon kashmiri red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) Kasoori methi
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken drumsticks with a paper towel. Then using 2 pieces of paper towels, pick up one drumstick and pull the skin down from the thickest part of the chicken to the narrow end and remove the skin. Repeat for the remaining chicken drumsticks. Paper towels will help you get a grip on the skin and remove it easily.
- Make 3-4 slits across the thick part on each drumstick.
- Add yogurt, ginger, garlic, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Place the dried fenugreek leaves on the palm of your hands and gently crush them rubbing the hands together. Add to the chicken. Add lemon juice and mix everything coating the chicken with the marinade
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes or you can also marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Line the marinated chicken in the basket and spray with oil.
- Air fry at 350°F for 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway and lightly spray with oil.
- Once the cooking cycle is completed check the internal temperature of the thickest piece and make sure it's at 165°F. You may continue to cook the chicken or add 1 to 2 minutes for charred marks but make sure not to overcook.
- Serve with fresh lemon wedges, cilantro mint chutney. Pair it with the crunchy cucumber salad for a delicious low carb meal.
Notes
Cook Time may vary depending on the air fryer. Always check the internal temperature with a digital thermometer and add additional cook time if needed.
Dana says
I did a version of this where i used thinned chicken breast.
It was easy and excellent, my indian husband said it was the best thing he'd eaten in weeks. He's suuuper picky so thank you!!
Archana Mundhe says
Thank you for the lovely feedback! And I love the idea thinned tandoori chicken in the air fryer!